CAPS brace for derby

HARARE – The defining moment of the 2013 Castle Premiership season could be written on Sunday when CAPS United attempt to seize control of their title destiny against bitter rivals and log leaders Dynamos.

CAPS are moving with a spring in their step following a 10-match unbeaten streak, a run which has given them much needed hope against a rival they have failed to beat since 2009.

United assistant coach Saul Chaminuka calmly noted that the title race is still wide open, and that a win on Sunday at Rufaro Stadium would enhance their chances of landing their first league championship since 2005.

The former Buffaloes boss has stocked the flames ahead of Sunday’s Harare derby, saying the Green Machine are ready to end DeMbare’s dominance in this fixture.

“We are ready for the game. The feeling in camp is good and we are looking to do the job,” Chaminuka told the Daily News.

“A championship winning team need to play and beat fellow competitors. We are playing Dynamos, one of the favourite teams for the championship and we must win on Sunday.

“This is an important match for us as CAPS United and we have to win this game at all costs. We badly need these three points so that we can go level on points with Dynamos.

“Derbies are usually unpredictable but on Sunday we just need to beat Dynamos. We are going to attack Dynamos from the first whistle because we are desperate for these three points.

“The title race is still wide open and this is our chance to close the gap and ensure we stay at a shouting distance with other chasing teams. Our preparations have been going on well and we are looking forward to the match.”

Having come second best in recent matches between the two clubs, Chaminuka said United are not reading much into history and their current form will be key on Sunday.

“We have been losing to Dynamos in the previous matches but this is a new game. This is a new team and they are ready to fight. I am positive that we should be able to turn the tables come Sunday,” he said.

“We have been enjoying a good run lately and it’s a morale boost for us. It gives us an edge over our opponents because the youngsters are now used to winning matches. They have developed a winning mentality which is a plus for the team.”

It is a match that supporters from both camps have been waiting for and given that both sides are separated by just three points makes this derby interesting.

Apart from guaranteeing the winner three priceless points, a victory will also give them bragging rights that will reverberate in the capital.

The Green Machine looked in high spirits during their training session yesterday at Danny Bismarck, where left back Ronald Pfumbidzayi set out after pulling a muscle.

CAPS United’s duo of Malawi teenage sensation Gerald Phiri and highly-rated midfielder Kelvin Bulaji are still in Poland where they undergo trials at unnamed clubs.

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